What is Fulvic Acid?

Fulvic acid. You say the words in the U.S. and Canada, and people just kind-of stare at you blankly. But in China, saying “wu jin san” (as its Chinese equivalent) will grant you respectful nods. Since the Ming Dynasty, fulvic acid has been used for the treatment of diseases related to immune suppression. The medically-documented diseases treated include bronchial asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and some forms of cancer.

It is also anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory (Drug Development Research, 2001; Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 2000). This may explain why fulvic acid plays a role in mediating symptoms of contact dermatitis (Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 2000), psoriasis (Karr), and eczema (Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigative Dermatology, 2011). But fulvic acid is more than just a treatment for irritated skin conditions. Rather it is a very potent free-radical scavenger, so much that many suspect that it may have significant anti-aging effects against fine lines, wrinkles, skin sagging, and their prevention. However, we are still on the cusp of validating these assumptions.

Where is Fulvic Acid Found?

Plants’ numerous biochemical substances (e.g. carbohydrates, lipids, proteins & lignin) were transformed into Humic substances. Fulvic acid is found in varying levels in Humic substances and cannot be artificially synthesized at this time. How Fulvic Acid Works

The primary activity of Fulvic is the reduction of free radical reactions that damage body tissues (ie. from infection or uncontrolled release of free radicals in the body by malignant tissues – cancer). Antioxidants lower free radical damage to the body. Fulvic has a unique capacity for penetration of the skin allows absorption, reducing free radicals within the skin and body.

What Does Fulvic Acid Do For the Skin?

Fulvic Acid is a natural biological compound derived from plants that existed at the time of dinosaurs. Large quantities of ancient vegetation underwent a transformation process at that time. Microbial decomposition was followed by compression, turning into mineral like deposits called Humic substances. A similar process occurred for coal and diamonds. It has been shown in peer-reviewed studies to be effective against treating dry skin and eczema (Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigative Dermatology, 2011).

Fulvic acid is an active free radical scavenger that binds harmful free radical existing in skin and associative tissues. As our skin ages, it dramatically changes in structure and chemistry. A newborn has acidic skin (low pH), and as we mature past 40 years the pH of our skin changes, becoming alkaline. Adults who have spent a lot of time in outdoor activities have exposed their skin to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet irradiation, resulting in premature aged or damaged skin.

The dermis is the deepest skin layer where synthesis of elastin and collagen protein occurs. These tissue proteins are responsible for the elasticity and strength of the skin. Low blood circulation suppresses protein synthesis, slows the turnover rate of skin cells and increases the breakdown rate of the skin. The evidence of this is that facial expression lines deepen and skin begins to sag. Skin cells migrate their way to the surface over time. The slower cellular turnover rate results in a longer time period for cells reach the surface. Surface skin cells accumulate becoming dull, devitalized and dead. This results in a rough skin texture.

The skin’s natural oil barrier blocks air pollutants, chemicals, microbial pathogens, and other contaminates from penetrating the skin as well as maintains skin hydration. Slowing the turnover rate of skin cells lowers oil synthesis and levels of skin cell hydration.

Bottom Line

Fulvic acid is huge in Asia, but it hasn’t caught wind yet in the western Hemisphere. And that’s a shame, because fulvic acid has proven efficacy for everything from eczema to psoriasis to mild to moderate cases of acne and jock itch. At the same time it also has tremendous potential as an anti-aging agent due to its astonishing antioxidant activity in preliminary studies. If you’ve tried everything for your eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or dry/irritated skin such as jock itch or athlete’s foot and nothing has worked give Fulom a try. Our products will soothe the itch, we guarantee it. You won’t regret it!

Fulvic Acid, also known as Shilajit, is the product of a miraculous natural process that brings forth life from decay. For human and plant alike, it is an active step towards preventative cellular maintenance and provides a host of molecular benefits for skin, body and garden.

A version of this post originally appeared on Futurederm.com, who named Fulvic Acid one of 2015’s “Top Ingredients to Try“